Jordan Schafer was out of the Astros lineup one day after getting benched by Brad Mills after a mental mistake and with a calling out of his effort and behavior.

"We just want to talk and go through some things and get some things squared away. That's all," Mills said. "I like Jordan. He's got all kinds of ability. We want to get that behavior to match that ability. That's all. That's where we're at. This is not an issue."

The two didn't get a chance to meet before the team went out to take batting practice, but the amends were coming from both sides.

Schafer posted an apology on Twitter: "I apologize to all the fans, n my teammates about today. I promise to not let my actions get the best of me again"

More Information

Pirates 2, Astros 0

Tipping point: The Astros never threatened, the game never tipped, and the Astros finished the road trip 0-7.

On the mound: Bud Norris was certainly good enough to win, allowing two runs (both early) in seven innings. Brett Myers came in to pitch the eighth simply to get his work in after a week void of save chances for the closer.

At the plate: The Astros never had more than one runner on base at the same time and lost two immediately to double plays. The only times they got a runner to second were on a steal, a balk and a defensive indifference.

Under the radar: How much has the Astros' lineup been in chaos this year? The No. 3 spot, which is generally the keystone of the offense, has been occupied by 10 different batters. Scott Moore was the latest on Thursday.

Zachary Levine

He was replaced in the lineup by Scott Moore

Bullpen gets another arm

Reliever Enerio Del Rosario was promoted from Class AAA Oklahoma City to replaced the optioned Dallas Keuchel and give the Astros an eight-man bullpen.

"We need to have another arm right now with the way these last few games have gone," manager Brad Mills said.

Del Rosario had been up for two short stints this year, allowing six runs in six innings, adhering to his low-strikeout form as well.

With a six-man rotation and with the All-Star break coming up, the Astros may get even more relief coming.

Lucas Harrell, who pitched Tuesday and would otherwise receive a break of at least a week and a half, may pitch in relief Sunday or Saturday to stay fresh.

Altuve impresses La Russa

National League All-Star manager Tony La Russa is familiar with the lone Astros player on his squad. Jose Altuve hit .440 against La Russa's Cardinals last year.

"He got our attention when he came in as a rookie last year," La Russa said. "See what his average was last year against St. Louis. He was an All-Star last year.

"He has impressed everybody, and I think it's just his improvement and all the little things and big things about playing the second base position and taking better at-bats."

La Russa took joy in the fact that the players voted Altuve in before he had a chance to make the manager's selections. Altuve won the player vote, beating fan choice Dan Uggla and all other NL second basemen.

Translator

To read this article in one of Houston's most-spoken languages, click on the button below.